This is page numbers 2719 - 2742 of the Hansard for the 19th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was indigenous.

Community-Driven Childcare
Members' Statements

Page 2725

Rylund Johnson

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Mr. Speaker, last week I wrote a Member's Statement for today on the importance of high quality childcare. But as the remains of 215 children were found by the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc First Nation at a former residential school site, I reconsidered my approach. We can't stand in this House and talk about high quality childcare and act like the legacy of residential schools does not impact this conversation.

Mr. Speaker, there is still mistrust in the school system in the NWT, and the institutionalization of childcare is not supported by all. I have often advocated for universal daycare as I see its economic and social benefits. But without it being led by our Indigenous communities, it cannot happen, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, ECE is currently in discussions with various Indigenous governments about a 2030 early learning and childcare strategy, which I hope will promote programming informed by Indigenous practices and values.

Mr. Speaker, a society is measured by how it cares for its children. To date, we have failed that measurement. And if we implement childcare that is faceless and institutionalized that does not give our communities dignity and cultural revitalization, we will have failed again, Mr. Speaker.

Community-driven programming is the language used by ECE in its discussion papers, and they must follow up on that. We can't make the mistake of believing we know what is best for Indigenous communities.

Mr. Speaker, reconciliation is not just about making up for the past; it is about ensuring that every Indigenous child has a real shot at moving forward in their life on their own terms. We have to get to this right, Mr. Speaker. I hope we can find a path to high quality early childhood education, though we must always remember it must be in collaboration with Indigenous communities, not oppressed on them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Community-Driven Childcare
Members' Statements

Page 2725

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Members' Statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Human Resources and Summer Students
Members' Statements

Page 2725

Caitlin Cleveland

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, succession planning within the GNWT is important. A key part of the Government's succession planning is their summer student internship programs. Growing up in the NWT, not once did I every kick back and think, Wow, one day I want to work for the government. But, as a summer student, I was exposed to a multitude of unique positions that I never knew existed within our government, the GNWT's staff's graphic designers, biologists, and heavy duty mechanics. Some public servants work in an office, others in classrooms, and some spend their days in the bush.

The GNWT website says this government recognizes the value of summer student employment. Hiring students support and post-secondary pursuits of Northerners with wages that help offset the high cost of university and also help the NWT retain skilled northern graduates. Essentially, Mr. Speaker, we all want our university students to come home, and that's where our internship program steps in. In 2018-19, the GNWT employed 371 and 41 interns, and in 2019-20, 351 summer students and 34 interns.

But, Mr. Speaker, as I understand it, summer student hiring has significantly dropped again this year. Many of our COVID decisions have the potential to have unintended negative effects into the future. As parents, how we react and process COVID anxieties affects our children. And as schools, how students are treated and then tested when they show symptoms of COVID, affects a child's relationship with their school, and as employers, how we support our future workforce affects our succession planning.

While hiring summer students absolutely gives the government a capacity bump, more importantly, it gives students an opportunity to gain that work experience, form community connections for post-graduation, and pay for university. So whether or not our future Northern post-secondary graduates are working for the GNWT or the NWT private sector, non-government agencies, or Indigenous or municipal governments, the GNWT still accomplishes its end goal of supporting students while retaining graduates for the NWT's future workforce.

Today, as NWT businesses work hard to stay afloat through the pandemic with reduced capacities, increased restrictions, and zero tourism, we can't also depend on the private sector to employ our post-secondary students. The budgets for hiring summer students still sit within GNWT departments. These students need to be working within our communities to ensure our next workforce generation gains the experience needed and the dollars required to complete their studies. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Human Resources and Summer Students
Members' Statements

Page 2726

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Members' Statements. Member for Deh Cho.

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Ronald Bonnetrouge Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge my home community of Fort Providence for their ongoing efforts to help the evacuees of Jean Marie River. As we all know, JMR was flooded in early May due to high waters. Homes were damaged by water, and there was also contamination from fuel. I would like to commend the coordinators and volunteers who stepped up to assisting our neighbouring community and made them feel safe and secure during their time of need.

The Deh Gah Got'ie First Nation's wellness centre was open for cookouts for traditional foods on the fire. They also delivered food and snacks to the residents at the motel. There were haircuts sponsored by the Dene Nation over two days. The services were provided by Sarah Gargan and her son Kevin Gargan. Various community members brought, cooked, or provided traditional foods to the people at the motel.

The two main coordinators were Shirley Gargan, designated spokesperson for Fort Providence, and Snookie Catholique from the Dene Nation office. The two ladies did daily updates between one another and made sure provisions and any arrangements required were looked after for the evacuees.

The first initial meeting took place with MACA and the hamlet before evacuees arrived in our community. The emergencies measures coordinator from MACA gave direction and coordination on how to assess the situation on accommodating the JMR people.

Updates are ongoing between all parties. So it's good that everyone is being updated daily and assessing the situation as time goes. The Fort Providence Housing Association provided the storage trailer to help store all of the nations that were coming in. Housing also offered the use of the seniors home for any of the seniors, if needed.

The Parish Council opened the Blue House which serves as a thrift store to the JMR residents free of charge to get any clothing or amenities they needed.

Evergreen Forestry firefighting crews provided wood for the cooks at the wellness centre. The Deh Gah Got'ie First Nation Chief and Council were offering their programs and buildings. The employment office were offering their building to accommodate residents if needed.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker and Mahsi, colleagues. The Dene-Metis Resource Management Office, who organized the hunters to go to gather and disperse traditional food as needed, the two grocery stores, Northern and M&R Grocery, who donated and contributed food and supplies for the evacuees. Local people also offered to open their homes if needed.

A big shout out to MACA for accommodating the JMR residents at the Snowshoe Inn Motel, the Snowshoe Inn staff who made JMR residents feel at home away from home, the Tlicho region for deliveries of food, which included caribou, moose, and geese. They also provided camping gear, clothing, and goods.

The Sahtu region delivered two freezers that were also full of traditionally harvested food, such as meat and fish. The Deh Gah School students also held a big sale to raise money for the evacuees of JMR.

Fort Providence coordinator Shirley Gargan expressed it as sure heartfelt and great gratitude how the help and donations that came in for the people of JMR from all over.

It is during these times when we see the true spirit of the people here in the North. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Members' Statements. Member for Hay River South.

Eulogy for Sonny MacDonald
Members' Statements

Page 2727

Rocky Simpson

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is important that as Northerners, we recognize those NWT elders that we have looked up to for many years and that have passed on.

Mr. Speaker, Sonny James MacDonald, someone who I considered a friend, was born in Fort Chipewyan on May 26, 1939, and passed away quietly on April 20th, 2021, at his home in Okotoks, Alberta. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by family and much love. Sonny is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Helen Hudson MacDonald, and by his three children, sons James (Toko) MacDonald and Thomas James (TJ) MacDonald, and his daughter, Marcy Blayne DeMond.

Sonny was the son of Germain and Harriet MacDonald. He grew up in a large family consisting of three brothers, Ted, Danny and Freddie, and three sisters, Helen, Rita and Anita.

He leaves behind seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. The cornerstone of Sonny's life was that of family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, over his lifetime, Sonny lived and worked in Uranium City, Inuvik, Rae-Edzo, Prince Albert, Hinton, Fort Simpson, Hay River, and Fort Smith. Earlier in Sonny's life, his work helped bring the electrical grid to all points of the NWT. He was so committed to his job; he even kept working after he survived a helicopter crash in 1971.

Mr. Speaker, Sonny was an artist. His carving of loons sits next to you in this Chamber and reflects his passion and love for the arts and wildlife. Sonny's art is well-known throughout Canada and the world. He travelled to places that included Japan, Germany, France, and the United States, and he always had his art with him.

He met many dignitaries and many received his art as gifts. The list includes Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip, Pope Jean-Paul II, Pierre Trudeau, John Diefenbaker, Stephen Harper, and Jean Chretien, just to name a few.

Sonny was passionate about art and served as a president of the NWT Arts Council for ten years and also served on the Canadian National Arts Council. Mr. Speaker, a significant life accomplishment for Sonny was being a signatory to Salt River First Nation's land claim settlement with the federal government in 2001.

Another great moment was being honoured and receiving the Inaugural Order of the NWT from his lifelong friend and NWT Commissioner, George Tuccaro.

Mr. Speaker, there are many interesting stories of Sonny. One was while camping, he had a very close encounter with a bear and survived the attack. Another one recalling the time, in only his underwear, he was chasing a porcupine with the butt end of a rifle, most likely looking for quills for an art project.

His greatest joys were his family, friends, children, and grandchildren. He loved art, camping, hunting, cooking, fishing, bonfires, and laughter. There was always a lot of laughter when Sonny was around. I know that he will be missed by his friends down at the wharf and his crew at the Wok in Hay River, places he loved to visit.

Mr. Speaker, Sonny will be truly missed by his wife, Helen, family, and friends; however, his memory and his booming laughter and infectious smile will not be forgotten. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Eulogy for Sonny MacDonald
Members' Statements

Page 2727

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends and also his fellow carvers and artists. Mahsi. Members' Statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Jean Marie Flood Response
Members' Statements

Page 2728

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, May 7th, residents in Jean Marie were watching the river rise as Chief and Council initiated their Local Emergency. At 6:30 p.m., the first siren sounded advising the residents to start moving to higher ground. As residents rushed home to finish packing up the necessaries and getting ready to leave their home, the second siren sounded. This happened very quickly, and residents witnessed the water steadily climb and flow over the road that leads out of town.

In speaking with some residents afterwards, they said it was very scary because they did not know if they could make it across safely. As one elder told me, I told my family member, Do not stop. Just keep on going until you get through the water.

At around 8:30 p.m., I spoke to Chief Sanguez, and he advised me that most of the community was under water, including the airport, but they were all safe by the Arbor.

At 11:00 p.m., the water had receded a bit. Unfortunately, this did not last long. By about 3:00 a.m., the water had passed the arbor, and people were being evacuated to Ekali Lake to higher ground, and others had already been sent to Fort Providence to stay at the Snowshoe Inn.

With the flood waters causing numerous challenges for communication, the SAO and others took turns to go to Check Point to get hold of Government officials and myself.

The community would like to thank Lynn and Wayne McKay for opening their home and businesses to them during this difficult time. It was greatly appreciated. I would like to thank the SAO, Municipal Staff, local volunteers, and Chief and Council for the amazing work they did during this very trying time.

As I said Friday, this flood was the worst that it has been in recorded time. The community and the regional EMO team did an amazing job, and I'm very proud of the work they were able to achieve.

On Sunday, May 16th, I had the opportunity to visit residents of Jean Marie at Ek'aki Lake in the communities camps along the road, in the community, and it was sad to see what happened to the community but a great opportunity to speak with various members about previous floods and next steps moving forward.

They were very happy with the generosity of all Northerners shown to them during this difficult time. I have attached an appendix which I would like to be deemed as read. I apologize if I miss anybody, as the list is not all inclusive.

On Monday, May 17th, I stopped in Fort Providence to chat with a few of the evacuees. They were very thankful to the community of Fort Providence and the Snowshoe Inn for their kindness and support during this time. But they also want to get back to Jean Marie to see their home, family, and start rebuilding their community.

Mr. Speaker, the flood was very difficult for the residents, but we now face the rebuilding phase and work to get their lives back together. I know in speaking with several residents, they look forward to meeting with Cabinet and other government officials on the next steps.

In closing, I would like to thank the community, their staff, leadership, the regional EMO team on the work they have done to this point and look forward to getting residents back into their homes safely. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Jean Marie Flood Response
Members' Statements

Page 2728

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Members' Statements. Returns to Oral Questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today my questions are for the health Minister in regards to medical travel. And I'm wondering if the Minister would work with me in regards to having a dedicated person in our region as a travel advocate. We asked for that in our last budget, but it was not in the line item.

So I'm wondering if the Minister would commit to working with us Regular Members to get a line item in there for a travel advocate for the Beaufort Delta so that people will not miss their appointments, and there will be no more mix-ups, and people will be seen when needed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I recognize that medical travel can be a stressful time for the patients themselves and for their family members as well. What we did agree to in the budget negotiations is a patient navigator for each region of the NWT.

And so it's my expectation that when we're creating the job description for this new position, that it will include travel navigation and have special attention on people who are doing medical travel. Thank you.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, that's better than a "yes". So I'm just wondering now, with our patient navigators now, what time will they be hired and staffed in the communities or in Inuvik, I guess, where it would be, and what time would that take effect. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I know the Member would like to hear "tomorrow", but the fact is this is a brand new program with brand new positions, and so the department is developing that program and job descriptions and so on. And those will be part of the next business planning process, although the money is already dedicated to the positions. Thank you.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for that. The department, if they're starting to do that, I guess that would be September. Before September, I hope. We have a lot of issues in my riding. Everything. Like, my riding, you have to travel. Sachs Harbour, you have to fly in from Sachs, Ulu, Paulatuk, or close to communities that people are really affected. When you go for one appointment, it takes four or five days to get there.

I really want to make sure this is done and done as soon as possible, like the Minister said, and working together with us regular Members and trying to get it done sooner than later.

But this is a question I do have, is that with all the appointments that are, you know, being missed and stuff like that, what are the time lines in getting them rebooked and -- rebooked either from travel or booking with the doctors in Edmonton. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can't imagine really what it would be like to come in from Ulukhaktok and have to go through to Edmonton for an appointment. The culture change would be very extreme.

I'm not aware of the issue that the Member is speaking of, a number of cancelled appointments and the need to rebook them. So I will commit to finding out more about that and responding to him. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Nunakput.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll forward her my text messages I got 3 o'clock in the morning in regards to booking their missed travel. It's not only that one person. I think I got four or five people, four or five individuals in that one complaint that I do have. I'm working towards it with them because they're not wanting to sign yet. So the biggest thing is getting this patient navigator done, and sooner the better. And I look forward to having that in our riding over Delta and the Delta itself. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to having this program in place for the benefit of people throughout the NWT but particularly those who are travelling from remote locations. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Thebacha.

Frieda Martselos

Frieda Martselos Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell us if she is aware of the unspoken practice in culture within human resources wherein hiring staff will brand and blacklist potential applicants and existing employees from advancing within the Government of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Minister responsible for Finance.

Caroline Wawzonek

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is not a practice within human resources of branding or blacklisting applicants on mass. That is not how the Human Resources process works. GNWT hiring must comply with various pieces of legislation, including the Public Service Act, The Human Resources Manual, Staffing Appeal Regulations, and The Collective Agreement. And it is certainly the responsibility of everyone who is tasked from the Department of Human Resources to do those things.

Department of Finance does have to work, of course, with all GNWT departments with all of the hiring managers across all of the -- across departments in order to ensure that they understand all of those laws, all of those rules, and all of those processes. And it's my belief that, indeed, the human resources is making every effort to ensure that those processes are, in fact, applied across the board. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Frieda Martselos

Frieda Martselos Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, does the Minister recognize that hiring staff have sometimes retaliated against certain individuals based on the applicant and employee's association with certain people whom hiring staff doesn't know or like personally? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.